"I'm totally in favor of having them pay to play as long as there is a contingency for those who can't afford it," said York resident Susan Hatch.

The chairman of the York School Committee said there is a contingency plan in place to help families that can't afford the fee.

"Students of parents that cannot afford the fees that we're setting, we have money set aside in the budget for the extracurricular and the sports fees to pay for those students. So no student will be denied the opportunity to participate in any sport or extracurricular activity for that matter," chairman Tim Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald said 15 to 20 percent of the money collected from the fees will cover the cost of those who can't afford to pay.

The pay-to-play program is expected to raise $90,000 a year.

Other communities like Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, Falmouth and Scaborough already have pay-to-play programs.

Hatch, a former coach herself, said sports and other activities should be available for all.

"That kept them out of so much trouble, you know being involved in a sporting team," said Hatch.

Pay to play will apply for York Middle School students as well at $75 per student per sport.